Bohol PB scraps proposal

TAGBILARAN CITY ,Philippines  — The Bohol Provincial Board has turned down the controversial man-made island project in Panglao Bay off Panglao town, proposed by Oasis Leisure Islands and Development Inc. (OLIDI).

This came even before the conduct of an environmental study to determine its economic and environmental viability, but OLIDI’s official Norris Oculam said it is still far from over.

OLIDI would not take the issue sitting down, said Oculam adding that he will convene the firm’s board of directors to tackle the issue and take the necessary steps in pushing for the project.

The PB based its junking of the project on legal, social/economic and environmental considerations, as reported by the joint environment-tourism committee of PB Members Abeleon Damalerio, Godofreda Tirol, Romulo Cepedoza and Beinvenido Molina.

The 8-page report said that contrary to claims, the project was “a juicy proposal,” but found to be “grossly disadvantageous” because the province has “totally surrendered its environmental and zoning responsibilities” to the project proponent. Besides, the province “will be incurring costs” that are not being considered by the proponent.

The PB also relied its decision on the recommendations of the group of concerned Boholanos who opposed to the project due to its “potentially damaging ecological impacts on marine biodiversity, among other unforeseen effects due to human interference.”

On legal aspect, the PB argued that the authority given to then governor Erico Aumentado “was only for negotiation,” and that the PB has not approved any subsequent resolution for the governor to enter into and sign the joint venture development agreement (JVDA) with OLIDI.

The JVDA “is unenforceable against the provincial government” and OLIDI “cannot demand from the current administration confirmation of the reclamation phase,” said the PB committee report.

A resolution approved earlier by the Panglao Municipal Council has also opposed to “any form of reclamation projects within the municipal waters of Panglao, Bohol,” considering that the project site is “haven of coral diversity and a sanctuary of diverse marine resources.”

Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala however was reportedly quoted to have wanted an environmental study first be conducted by multi-sector group of experts to find out if it is feasible before reclamation works start.

Oculam in his letter to Aumentado in the past administration said, “the proposed reclamation project into man-made islands of Panglao Bay will enhance the province’s vision of being a prime eco-cultural destination by providing readily available land for development by players in the industry.”

Tthe project will bring in more tourists and “bring enormous benefits” to the tourism industry here with “economic development, business opportunities and employment generation,” said Oculam.

The project site will consist of five clusters of reclaimed islands: The first one (about 150 hectares) is for commercial and recreation areas, convention centers, hotels and other facilities; the second (150 has.) is for institutional and residential, spas and medical tourism facilities; the third (75 has.) is for small commercial establishments such as dive and souvenir shops and apartments for people working here; the fourth one (70 has.) is for nature’s park or camping grounds or fishing for commercial use; and the fifth (5 has.) can be acquired privately.